IP33 vs IP55
Head-to-head comparison of two IEC 60529 ingress protection ratings.
IP33 and IP55 are both IEC 60529 ingress protection codes, but they differ in solid-object protection (level 3 vs 5) and liquid protection (level 3 vs 5). IP33 is rated for > 2.5 mm — tool / wire and spraying water (up to 60°), while IP55 provides dust-protected and water jets (6.3 mm nozzle).
IP33 protects against tools and 2.5 mm objects plus spraying water up to 60° from vertical. A practical rating for indoor equipment subject to light spray or for sheltered outdoor fixtures.
IP55 is dust-protected and resists low-pressure water jets (6.3 mm nozzle, 30 kPa). A popular industrial rating for equipment exposed to dust and directed water spray but not immersion.
Detailed comparison
The stronger rating on each row is highlighted in emerald.
Solid protection (first digit)
IP33
3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
5 — Dust-Protected
Liquid protection (second digit)
IP33
3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
Dust-tight
IP33
No
IP55
Limited
Water-jet resistant
IP33
No
IP55
Yes
Submersible
IP33
No
IP55
No
Outdoor suitable
IP33
No
IP55
Yes
The exact difference (IP33 vs IP55)
Solid protection
IP33
Level 3 — > 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire
IP55
Level 5 — Dust-Protected
IP33 provides "> 2.5 mm — Tool / Wire" (level 3), while IP55 provides "Dust-Protected" (level 5). IP55 is 2 levels higher.
Liquid protection
IP33
Level 3 — Spraying Water (up to 60°)
IP55
Level 5 — Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)
IP33 handles 80 kPa (tube) / 50 kPa (nozzle) (Spraying Water (up to 60°)), while IP55 handles 30 kPa (Water Jets (6.3 mm nozzle)). IP55 provides 2 levels more liquid protection.
NEMA equivalents
No direct NEMA equivalent.
No direct NEMA equivalent.
Recommendation
IP55 offers higher overall protection than IP33. Choose IP55 for harsher environments; IP33 may suffice for milder conditions and can be more cost-effective.